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I. Introduction

Touch VPN is a free virtual private network service that provides basic internet privacy and anonymity for mobile and desktop users. As cybersecurity threats grow globally, VPNs like Touch VPN aim to secure web traffic on public WiFi and bypass geo-blocks even with limited feature sets.

But do the rewards of a zero-cost VPN justify potential privacy risks? This Touch VPN review analyzes its offerings to determine if it warrants recommendation.

II. Features

Delving into Touch VPN capabilities reveals a mixed bag:

Global server presence Over 100 server locations spread across 45+ countries allow switching IP addresses anywhere from US to India. Server count is lower than paid VPNs however.

Available apps
Native mobile apps for both Android and iOS devices simplify access. Surprisingly a Windows application also exists but requires third party downloads outside official stores.

Protocols Industry standard AES-256 traffic encryption sees support but details remain undisclosed on the actual VPN tunneling protocols deployed across the server network.

Consistency issues Experts identify inconsistencies in implementation quality and feature availability between the desktop versus mobile apps. This affects reliability.

III. Customer Support

Touch VPN trails behind comprehensively on assisting users with issues or queries:

No self-help resources Conspicuously absent are common troves of educational materials like FAQs, how to guides, manuals or forums to help subscribers troubleshoot problems independently without opening tickets.

Contact channels lacking
No live chat exists currently. Email and ticket response quality receives mixed feedback suggesting possible delays or receiving templated replies not addressing specific user issues.

IV. Pricing

Monetization unsurprisingly focuses on extracting value from free users:

Free plan limits The free offering sets low data volume caps ranging from 2-10GB monthly after which speeds throttle to 2Mbps still permitting basic use.

No paid power user plan
While paid premium plans unlock added features and unlimited data for mobile users, desktop subscribers atypically get no paid packages for lifting restrictions. This curtails adoption among the target demographic.

V. Privacy Policy

Like most free VPNs, Touch VPN’s profits stem from user data leveraging lax privacy approaches:

Expansive logging
Touch VPN logs include browsing history, IP addresses, connection timestamps, installed apps, device identifiers and other metadata to profile usage patterns and behaviors. Data gets stored indefinitely.

Selling data for profit
Furthermore, Touch VPN openly declares monetizing aggregated user trends and attention metrics by sharing data tracked with undisclosed third party entities. This clearly violates personal privacy ethics for commercial benefit.

VI. Pros and Cons

In conclusion, the main advantages and limitations using Touch VPN become evident:

Pros

• Simple and easy VPN access
• AES-256 encryption supported

Cons

• Highly limited data volumes
• Aggressive user data collection
• Major absent features like kill switch
• Subpar customer assistance

VII. Summary

Considering the concerns outlined, Touch VPN scores a weak 3 out of 10 rating owing to its intentional privacy infringements and lack of advanced security protections found on leading VPNs. Alarming logging practices alone necessitate strong discouragement from recommending this VPN.

VIII. Conclusion

As threats accelerate globally, relying on VPNs prioritizing commercial interests over user securities poses online safety risks. While free plans seem tempting, transparency and ethical data handling should dominate choice criteria to trust providers like ProtonVPN long term over profit-driven services cutting corners. Compromising privacy to save pennies never makes sense when reputable paid platforms now exist delivering premium protection across devices for just a few dollars monthly. Ultimately everyone’s digital footprint warrants investment into secure tools like ExpressVPN rather than gamble on questionable free VPNs to temporarily bypass a few geo-blocks while endangering far more.

Introduction

Thunder VPN is a free virtual private network service for Android and iOS devices promising easy and secure mobile browsing. With over 10 million installs to-date, it markets itself as a fast and unlimited VPN allowing access to geo-blocked content anywhere globally. This review analyzes Thunder VPN’s features, privacy assurances, speeds and reliability to determine whether it’s worthwhile for everyday browsing needs.

Overview

Thunder VPN runs as free mobile VPN app for encrypting phone and tablet traffic. It requires minimal steps to setup without mandatory account registration simplifying access. Features include:

Simple plug-and-play
The app facilitates quick and easy VPN activation on mobile devices using tap-to-connect or auto-connect modes requiring no configurations.

Encryption implementation
256-bit AES encryption wraps device traffic with industry standard protocols promising top-notch security. Specific technical details however remain undisclosed.

Unlimited bandwidth
For a free app, Thunder promises no data limits permitting unrestrained daily usage with consistently fast connection speeds.

Pros and Cons

Independent user reviews highlight noticeable advantages but also some worrying limitations using Thunder VPN:

Pros

• No signups mandatory
• Unlimited free data
• Beginner friendly interface
• 400+ servers spanning 40 regions

Cons

• Aggressively logs activity
• Weak outdated encryption
• No P2P support
• Missing kill switch
• Mobile app only

Performance

Thunder VPN delivers surprisingly capable performance for a free offering if assessing basic connectivity metrics:

Speed reliability Independent speed tests recorded respectable rates around 20-35 Mbps down on local servers. This suffices for SD streaming and normal social media usage without frustrating lag. However peaks likely won’t sustain 4K or large transfers.

Caveat emptor
While decent speeds sound appealing, expert caution repeats – if a service is completely free, you and your data become the product. So privacy risks loom large with extensive tracking identified next.

Security

On security design and protocols, Thunder VPN reveals nothing specific heightening privacy concerns:

No technical transparency
The service fails to clarify fundamental details like encryption algorithms and VPN protocols used. The opacity alarms experts over what vulnerabilities could exist beneath the surface.

No kill switch
Clients also lack a vital kill switch fail-safe to halt internet access when VPN connections unintentionally disconnect. This could expose your actual IP.

Privacy and Data Handling

Further analyzing Thunder’s free model uncovers a dark underbelly prioritizing profits over personal data protections:

Extensive tracking and targeting Thunder VPN actively monitors all user activity including app usage, browsing history and traffic data to dish targeted advertisements and derive monetization revenue. This breaches privacy ethics boundaries.

Data leaks
SSL encryption leaks identified further expose Thunder users along with iOS permissions allowing geo-location tracking. These undermine personal data protections.

Expert consensus overwhelmingly steers privacy-conscious consumers away from “free” services like Thunder VPN monetizing user data. Risks intensify under lax jurisdictions like Panama with little legal deterrence or accountability governing rogue actors.

Server Network & Geo-Restrictions

While server count seems adequate logging diverse locations, geo-restriction test results prove disappointing:

Heavy content blocking Mainstream video streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu and BBC iPlayer get frequently blacklisted across Thunder’s server pool indicating anti-VPN countermeasures are active. Unblocking reliability falters as a result.

User Feedback & Recommendations

Collating multiple independent reviews unveils recurring criticisms urging universal caution against trusting Thunder VPN:

Forewarnings
Technical experts universally warn against exposure risks from the troubling privacy pitfalls in Thunder’s expansive tracking and invasive logging uncovered earlier.

Bottom line
The consensus argues free VPNs inherently provide no assurances regarding ethical handling of user data by companies with little transparency or legal accountability.

Alternatives like ProtonVPN’s free plan available alongside paid offerings by trustworthy Swiss privacy stalwarts more appropriately balance meeting budget limitations without unduly sacrificing personal securities.

Conclusion

In closing, while Thunder VPN from panicking networks promises easy unlimited free mobile browsing, gaping transparency issues around security protocols and encryption coupled with irresponsible privacy violations monetizing extensive user tracking prohibit any recommendation endorsements relative to reputable options like ProtonVPN’s basic plan costing nothing. If you remain steadfast on utilizing free VPNs, at minimum ensure robust encryption methodologies get independently verified through trusted auditors upfront rather than gamble personal data as product for shadowy corporations to profit from behind thin veils of privacy. But conversely, investing a few dollars monthly into reliable mainstream commercial options like NordVPN and ExpressVPN may grant the best of both worlds – accessing more restricted content successfully while entrusting your browsing to accountable services boasting watertight security assurances across devices. Ultimately staying judicious comes key before exposing your only irreplaceable asset online – personal data and privacy – to unnecessary risk.

Introduction

As digital privacy becomes increasingly rare and online threats continue to surge globally, personal VPN use is accelerating exponentially across both private and enterprise domains. This review explores some of the most secure and trusted VPN options in 2024 for protecting your web traffic and accessing internet content restricted by geography, network or authority.

ExpressVPN

Any discussion on leading secure VPN services has to start with industry giant ExpressVPN for setting the bar on privacy protections and watertight security:

Privacy and audit leadership The British Virgin Islands-based company has underdone extensive, transparent, third party-audits of its systems and infrastructure by firms like PwC on an annual basis since 2019 to validate its foolproof no-logs policy and airtight security infrastructure protecting customer data.

Military-grade encryption
ExpressVPNs custom Lightway protocol combined with widely audited AES-256 bit encryption for OpenVPN connections ensure complete end-to-end traffic security to guard your online footprint.

Quick installation Apps and extensions for all devices and routers enable easy plug-and-play setup taking just minutes while still offering customizable connection preferences satisfying both novice and power users.

Simultaneous multi-device connections
Each ExpressVPN account permits seamlessly syncing up to 5 or even 10 devices concurrently depending on subscription package. This allows securing every gadget from smartphones and laptops to smart TVs under one account.

In summary, industry leader ExpressVPN justifies slightly steeper subscription costs by walking the talk on running a genuinely secure and ethical no-logs commercial VPN operation validated by strict third party audits.

Secure VPN

While ExpressVPN targets advanced privacy enthusiasts, Secure VPN from Webzilla Apps positions itself as a simple secure solution for the average US internet user. However, it suffers concerning shortcomings:

US jurisdiction As a stateside company, Secure VPN must comply with expansive legal surveillance powers of US agencies undermining its ability to guarantee digital privacy assurances.

No specifications on critical protocols
The provider vaguely promises “enterprise grade security” without detailing the encryption protocols deployed across its server infrastructure whether AES or OpenVPN. This opacity worries experts.

Privacy pitfalls Secure VPN’s own privacy policy shockingly admits to logging user data up to 5 days and sharing details with third party advertisers by default. Users must deliberately opt-out from tracking.

Spotty reliability
Numerous user complaints exist regarding unreliable UK servers and struggling speeds between just 2-8 Mbps unsuitable for streaming media or large downloads across US locations as well.

Missing essential features Basic features like an internet kill switch to prevent IP leaks or IPv6 and DNS leak protection are also missing from apps compared to rivals.

Outline VPN by Jigsaw

For those seeking truly covert secure access on hostile networks, Outline from Google’s Jigsaw labs offers an innovative unique solution:

Expert pedigree Jigsaw functions as an independent Alphabet incubator developing new technology to tackle global geopolitical issues like censorship and digital attacks. Outline is its cutting edge VPN service project.

Undetectable encrypted connections Outline leverages breakthrough cryptographic techniques like CHAMP and domain fronting plus Shadowsocks proxies to hide VPN traffic signatures from censors. This allows accessing filtered content without revealing usage of a VPN even under restrictions.

Access for all
Outline allows technical and non-technical users alike to run unblockable VPN servers on cloud platforms like DigitalOcean easily for the price of a coffee a month. Server setup requires no software knowledge.

While flaws exist like potential deanonymization on ExpressVPN, Outline’s pioneering protocol advancements provide online access to journalists and activists where most typical VPNs fail when faced with advanced AI-backed blocks.

Norton Secure VPN

This secure VPN offering by cybersecurity stalwart Norton leverages the brand’s antivirus expertise for protecting your browsing:

Reassuring reliability As a well-established household name since 1991, Norton provides proven and trusted security software for millions worldwide. Norton Secure VPN inherits the same credentials and scrutiny-free transparency.

Streamlined for simplicity The lightweight custom VPN client offers an elementary interface perfect for casual users just needing one-click security while browsing day-to-day without confusing technical settings.

However probes into specifics identify concerning shortcomings:

Geo-restrictions handicap functionality
Due to publishing differing regional versions of the VPN service globally, key features face inconsistency across geographies. For example port forwarding is unavailable in US or Japan versions while working elsewhere. These arbitrary restrictions annoy experienced subscribers.

Manufactured misperceptions
Despite marketing claims of VPN servers spread “globally”, Norton’s small server fleet of just over 150 endpoints located predominantly concentrated across US and UK fails to match messaging. This disingenuity erodes trust.

Avast SecureLine VPN

Czech giant Avast enters the secure VPN arena leveraging its existing 220 million+ consumer antivirus user base:

Banking on brand heritage Building on over three decades of cybersecurity innovation since founding in 1988, Avast transitions its considerable legacy securing devices onto safeguarding user privacy as well in the modern threat landscape.

Prioritizing simplicity SecureLine VPN deliberately trades away tediously granular controls like manually picking protocols and ports for simplicity. Its one-tap Quick Connect feature instantly routes and encrypts traffic through optimal servers.

Some limitations however still linger:

Limited server presence
The VPN currently operates only 50 server locations concentrated primarily across North America and Europe. Asia, South America and Africa remain largely ignored.

Week-long trial only
While benchmarks like ExpressVPN offer months-long risk-free refund periods, Avast permits just 7 days to evaluate before committing to annual plans only. Month-to-month options are not supported but promised down the road.

In closing, amidst a saturated virtual private network software market, discerning VPN subscribers ultimately must filter marketing rhetoric and indentify services that walk-the-talk on both security and ethics. ExpressVPN and Norton Secure VPN deliver proven offerings tailored for users prioritizing either ultra-strong privacy or fuss-free security respectively. However, never compromise on fundamentals like transparent third-party audits of no-logging claims that underpin trust in an ever-hostile digital era where threats loom from both state and cybercriminal adversaries. The stakes now justify allocating budget to verified secure VPNs than gamble privacy on free or vague alternatives claiming magic bullets.

I. Introduction

Kaspersky VPN is the virtual private network offering by cybersecurity firm Kaspersky. Launched in 2018, it promises online privacy protection plus ability to bypass geo-blocks on popular streaming sites and social platforms.

This review will deeply analyze the VPN’s features, speeds, privacy policy and value-for-money against competitors to determine if Kaspersky VPN deserves consideration for your online security needs.

II. Features

Kaspersky VPN comes equipped with standard features expected from commercial VPN providers:

Appearance and usability The custom Windows and mobile apps provide clean modern interfaces with useful connected server insights. Quick connect features enable one-click secure browsing. Settings however offer limited tweakability for advanced users.

Security provisions 256-bit AES traffic encryption is implemented supporting OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec and IKEv2 VPN protocols. An internet kill switch also blocks internet access if VPN connections drop unexpectedly.

Media streaming abilities While mostly capable for unlocking sites like BBC iPlayer and US Netflix, inconsistent unblocking success is reported across server network likely due to blacklisting.

Customer support Support channels like live chat, email and web tickets are available in English, German and Russian. Experiences vary with some praising knowledgeable assistance while others faced slower issue resolution.

III. Speed Performance

Independent speed tests reveal a mixed picture regarding Kaspersky VPN’s connection performance:

Peak speed capacity
When connected to nearby or lightly loaded servers, download speeds over OpenVPN can reach impressively fast rates around 200Mbps+ suitable for 4K streaming and rapid file downloads.

However…

Speed fluctuations and congestion Performance suffers drastically during peak traffic times across different locations. Ookla speed tests recorded sharp drops averaging just 10-30Mbps indicating potential infrastructure bottlenecks. Slow speeds disrupt media streaming and web conferencing usability.

IV. Privacy Policy

While boasting a no-logs policy, Kaspersky VPN’s Russian ownership and local jurisdiction introduces some user privacy concerns:

Russian ties
As a Russian corporation bound by local laws, some speculate whether Kaspersky can fully resist government demands for user data access or backdoor infiltration attempts given tightened state surveillance policies in recent years.

No-logs policy Officially, Kaspersky does not record user activity logs nor connection logs beyond aggregate bandwidth usage. It may retain anonymized diagnostic data for troubleshooting. Payment details are stored for billing as usual. External audits are planned to publicly verify infrastructure.

Question marks linger Despite claimed no-logging, Kaspersky admits connection timestamps may get logged which marks a deviation from strict standards. Jurisdiction risks also stand out versus rival VPNs operated from truly privacy-friendly territories like Panama or the British Virgin Islands.

V. Pricing & Plans

Kaspersky VPN costs a budget-friendly $29.99 for 12-months making it one of the cheapest premium VPN options:

1 month – $9.99
1 year – $2.50 per month ($29.99 billed annually)

Apps support unlimited data usage across 5 connected devices concurrently.

While pricing seems attractive, accepted payment options are currently limited to credit cards only. Cryptocurrencies or anonymous payments are not supported. Pricing displayed also differs based on user location detecting via IP address.

VI. Comparison With Other VPNs

Stacking up Kaspersky VPN versus popular rivals better highlights where it trails behind:

ExpressVPN has superior speeds that don’t waiver plus watertight audit-verified no-logging assurances operating from the British Virgin Islands. It does cost $12.95 monthly but justifies premium pricing through best-in-class reliability and trust.

Private Internet Access based in the US delivers consistent 80-100 Mbps OpenVPN speeds suitable for heavy usage needs. Plans start cheaper at $2.19 monthly alongside payment flexibility including anonymous options.

Newcomer SurfShark also impresses outpacing on unblocking abilities like accessing Disney Plus internationally. Network infrastructure feels less overloaded and customer support is praised as very responsive.

VII. Pros and Cons

Key advantages and limitations clearly surface evaluating Kaspersky VPN in totality:

Pros

• Inexpensive 12-month subscription plan
• Suite of security tools being a cybersecurity vendor
• No Binding contracts

Cons

• Speed performance dips drastically during peak times
• Unreliable access to some streaming sites
• Privacy uncertainty tied to Russian jurisdiction

VIII. Conclusion

In closing, while very wallet-friendly and equipped with standard VPN security, Kaspersky still feels more like a work-in-progress rather than finished product compared to mature VPN offerings. Server speeds test inconsistently for media streaming needs and Russian legal jurisdiction introduces long-term privacy uncertainties.

Kaspersky’s affordable pricing may attract new VPN users on a tight budget not needing blazing speeds. But at only marginally higher monthly rates, rivals like PIA and SurfShark outflank on trust, transparency and performance markers that matter most.

Until infrastructure capacity improves demonstrably and audits help validate marketing promises, it’s hard recommending Kaspersky VPN over established editor favorites for guarding sensitive user data. Buying decision reservations stem less from Russian wolf caricatures, but more the inescapable jurisdiction risks that come with the territory.

I. Introduction

iTop VPN is a Hong Kong-based provider offering virtual private network services since 2016. Positioning itself as a secure and lightning-fast VPN, iTop VPN promises users online privacy plus unrestricted access to content across global regions.

This review takes an in-depth examination of iTop VPN’s offerings to determine if its features, speeds, privacy protections and pricing provide compelling value among commercial VPN options today.

II. Company Background

As a relatively young VPN company, iTop has focused on capturing Asia-Pacific consumer markets early:

Hong Kong jurisdiction With incorporation in Hong Kong, iTop VPN operates outside the jurisdictional reach of intrusive intelligence agencies under 14 Eyes or 5 Eyes alliances. This offers favorable conditions to deliver on privacy assurances.

Strong regional uptake The provider has quickly gained popularity among internet users in Hong Kong and wider Asia-Pacific regions like Taiwan, Singapore and Australia as a fast, stable VPN for accessing geo-restricted content.

Global expansion underway While starting focus has been APAC countries, the company is progressing plans to grow internationally across European and American markets as well next.

III. Key Features

iTop VPN packs an impressive array of features superior or on par with top industry VPNs:

Server network reach
Its core network currently consists of 280+ servers spread across 44 countries worldwide. Steady server growth aims to reach 1000+ locations mid-term.

Media streaming & torrenting friendliness Specific optimizations exist for unlocking popular sites like US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, ESPN and Amazon Prime Video anywhere. P2P torrenting is also freely permitted on all servers without speed throttling.

Extra functionalities
Value-added tools include split-tunneling to customize traffic encryption, NETFLIX optimizer mode, unlimited bandwidth, plus reinforced account security through 2FA authentication.

IV. Security & Privacy

iTop VPN implements all standard security measures expected from premium VPN providers:

Encryption & protocols Military-grade AES 256-bit encryption secures connections using protocols like OpenVPN, L2TP and IKEv2 tailored for speed or obfuscation.

Anonymity
While payments may be recorded, the provider maintains a strict no-logs policy on all browsing data and assigns non attributable IP addresses. No user activity logs are maintained.

Trust and transparency Additional confidence comes from top ratings on TrustPilot (4.5/5) over 4000+ reviews. iTop also engages professional external auditors to independently verify its no-logs infrastructure annually.

V. User Experience

iTop VPN emphasis on delivering quality user experience is validated by largely positive customer feedback:

Ease-of-use The custom apps and browser extensions provide streamlined interfaces for connecting. Convenient features like one-tap Quick Connect simplify usability further.

Speed performance
Independent speed tests confirm blazing fast downloads anywhere between 200-500 Mbps across different locations. This enables buffer-free 4K streaming plus rapid P2P filesharing.

Customer support Users praise iTop’s responsive 24/7 live chat and email ticketing support. Knowledgeable agents provide detailed troubleshooting advice and technical explanations tailored to user concerns.

VI. Pricing & Plans

While slightly pricier than some VPNs, iTop still provides strong value-for-money especially for power users:

Free plan – Offers 10GB monthly data, usually ample for light users needing just basic privacy features.

1 month plan – $9.99
1 year plan – $4.16 per month (billed one-time $49.99 annually)

Unlimited premium features like P2P filesharing, ultra-fast speeds and simultaneous connections across 5 devices make the paid plans economical for most subscriber needs.

VII. Conclusion

In closing, iTop VPN delivers a polished fast VPN product particularly appealing for power users in Asia-Pacific regions. Core strengths lie in its unlimited torrenting bandwidth, proven high speeds to unlock geo-blocks, plus feature-packed apps receiving consistent praise.

While starting off smaller than global big-name VPNs, responsive customer support combined with annual transparency audits provide confidence in iTop’s commercial motivations and privacy commitments moving forward.

For those after bulletproof online security though, larger veteran providers like ExpressVPN and NordVPN still edge out given longer operational track records. But anyone needing to privately access regionalized streaming content around Asia won’t go wrong with iTop’s specialized ultra-fast servers and optimized interfaces designed to unblock sites not typically accessible behind geo-restrictions.

I. Introduction

iProVPN is a virtual private network service launched in 2018 promising online privacy protection and access to restricted content. As cybersecurity threats grow globally, VPNs like iProVPN are seeing rising popularity among personal and business users alike to encrypt connections over public WiFi and access geo-blocked platforms.

This review aims to deeply analyze iProVPN’s offerings to determine if its features, performance and pricing make for a compelling VPN choice in an increasingly crowded cybersecurity software market.

II. Background

Despite its relatively recent entrance, iProVPN has quickly gained traction especially among tech-savvy VPN subscribers:

Launch and current status The provider first launched VPN servers in 2018 based out of Delaware, USA where it maintains corporate headquarters currently.

User base growth
In just two years, iProVPN has organically grown a substantial user base through word-of-mouth praise of its VPN service quality. It clocks over 10 million downloads already across Windows and iOS platforms.

Positive customer satisfaction On TrustPilot, iProVPN scores a ‘Great’ 4.3 out of 5 rating based on 3500+ verified user reviews. This high early rating suggests positive user experiences and satisfaction with the VPN product itself.

III. Features

iProVPN comes fully equipped with standard VPN features plus some additional tools that enhance functionality:

Global server network It operates a network of over 300 servers in 46 countries including across North America, much of Europe and parts of Asia. Server count is lower than leading rivals however.

Encryption and protocols The VPN uses robust 256-bit AES encryption with perfect forward secrecy plus secure protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2. This guarantees connection security for users.

Device compatibility
Apps are natively available for all major platforms like Windows, iOS, Android, macOS and Linux. Browser extensions also exist for Chrome and Firefox enabling quick VPN access.

Value-added tools Some extra features include an ad-blocker to remove intrusive ads and trackers, plus anti-malware scanning that runs file checks seamlessly during downloads.

IV. Performance & Speed

Thanks to good infrastructure investment, iProVPN manages to deliver generally fast and stable VPN speeds:

Speed test performance Independent tests record impressively fast download rates averaging 85-100 Mbps across different server endpoints. This is comfortably sufficient for 4K streaming and rapid downloads.

Media streaming & gaming Users praise iProVPN’s consistent and low-latency performance for buffer-free streaming plus lag-free online gaming across timezones and geographical locations.

Torrenting support P2P filesharing is fully permitted on specified ‘Torrenting Allowed’ servers only. Tests validate reliable speeds for active torrenting usage as well up to 20MB/s+ downloads.

V. Customer Support & User Experience

iProVPN believes in providing responsive customer support and constantly enhancing user experience:

Support availability Users have praised iProVPN’s timely responses and resolution of issues across live chat, email tickets and social media channels. Support staff appear technically competent tackling most troubleshooting queries.

Usability The custom VPN dashboard offers useful server insights like load and uptime metrics. Connection interfaces are also clean and simple enough for beginners. Some users however find settings limit power users.

Addressing user feedback
Client updates implement user suggestions like Split Tunneling for selective traffic encryption. iProVPN also expanded its server network and platform support responding to user requests. This receptiveness to improve is a positive sign.

VI. Pricing & Plans

At just $2.50 monthly for the 1-year plan, iProVPN’s pricing is among the most affordable in the industry:

1 month plan – $7.99 per month 1 year plan – $2.50 per month (billed $29.99 annually)
A 7-day free trial let users evaluate features risk-free.

Deals and upgrades Special deals like 75% off 1-year subscriptions pop up occasionally lowering rates further. Users can also upgrade to multi-line accounts starting an additional $1.65 per month. Bulk multi-year packages see larger cost savings.

Plan flexibility No long term lock-in exists with the ability to cancel and receive prorated refunds anytime. Short 12-month subscription terms also avoid premium VPN market norms of multi-year commitments.

VII. Pros & Cons

Based on this analysis, clear advantages and limitations emerge evaluating iProVPN’s current VPN offering:

Pros:

• Affordably priced subscriptions
• Responsive customer support
• Proven fast speeds for media streaming
• No long term subscription lock-in

Cons:

• Smaller server network than top providers
• App settings lack appeal for advanced users
• Short company track record

VIII. Conclusion

To summarize, while still a relatively young VPN service, iProVPN has quickly built repute as an affordable high-speed privacy solution great for unblocking geo-restricted content. Customer support receives praise for timely issue resolution and receptive improvement of apps responding to user feedback.

The main downsides currently are a comparatively smaller global server presence and lack of sophisticated power user options in settings. However, iProVPN’s low pricing combined with proven performance for secure streaming still makes for an easy recommendation among budget shoppers.

As the provider continues upgrading infrastructure and expanding server locations in coming years, iProVPN looks poised to establish itself as a rising mainstream VPN contender blending security, speeds and savings in one neat package.

As one of the most popular free VPN services, Hola VPN tempts users with free and unlimited access to its services. But with online privacy becoming increasingly valuable, does opting for a free VPN like Hola VPN compromise your security? This analysis of Hola VPN’s features attempts to answer the key question – is Hola VPN safe for users?

Security Features

On paper, Hola VPN checks the boxes on standard security protocols used by paid commercial VPNs:

Encryption Hola VPN uses 256-bit AES encryption to secure traffic between devices and VPN servers, matching industry standards. AES-256 is a military-grade protocol resistant to brute force decryption attempts.

Additional Protection The provider also claims to offer an internet kill switch that blocks internet access if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops. This prevents exposing your real IP address mid-session.

However, independent user testing reveals Hola VPN’s apps lack an actual functioning kill switch built-in. This oversight erodes trust in its security promises right away.

Security Risks

While the usage of AES-256 encryption seems reassuring, deeper analysis uncovers worrying security shortcuts that expose users:

Peer-to-peer VPN Unlike typical VPNs that funnel user traffic via designated servers, Hola VPN operates as a peer-to-peer network. User devices directly connect each other to route traffic rather than it flowing encrypted end-to-end to private servers.

No details on VPN protocol
Hola VPN also fails to clarify what VPN protocol its network runs on. Protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2 are time-tested industry standards that power top commercial VPNs.

Proxy servers not VPN servers Further user testing confirms Hola VPN is functioning as a web proxy service instead of a proper virtual private network. Traffic flows through proxy tunnels rather than encrypted VPN tunnels. This leaves data unprotected against snooping or leaks.

No encryption of clear text information
Being a proxy service also means Hola does not encrypt DNS requests sent unencrypted in clear text. This exposes queries to DNS manipulation or tracking attacks.

Leak risks & public IP exposure Independent tests find that Hola exposes users to IPv6 traffic leaks, DNS leaks and WebRTC leaks that reveal the public IP address. This completely compromises the VPN protection.

Activity & connection logging While claiming a zero-logs policy, researchers found Hola VPN’s plugins actively log user activity including browsing history and transmit details unencrypted back to servers. This poses a blatant privacy violation.

Open to exploit by other users As a peer-to-peer service, experts warn Hola VPN infrastructure can also be exploited by bad actors to remotely access devices of random unwitting users.

Selling user bandwidth
Hola VPN’s business model also capitalizes on selling unused bandwidth of free users to premium subscribers. This raises ethical concerns and security risks from having unfamiliar traffic routed through your IP address or device by default.

Privacy Concerns

With myriad security deficiencies identified, Hola VPN unsurprisingly garners low confidence among privacy advocates as well:

Intrusive privacy policy
Hola VPN’s privacy policy aggressively collects multiple categories of user information without anonymization:

• Personally identifiable information
• Financial and payment information
• Authentication and access information
• Personal communications
• Browsing history
• Online user activity and connection logs

No guaranteed anonymity Experts conclude the application does not function like an actual VPN. Instead it routes traffic through a peer-to-peer network with no guaranteed encryption or anonymity. Your data and real IP address can still get exposed losing all privacy.

Recommendations

In light of the troubling revelations on Hola VPN’s security loopholes and privacy intrusiveness, I strongly advise against using this service as your VPN solution.

Experts overwhelmingly push users to only trust premium and reputable VPN providers that offer guaranteed protection. For your online security needs, recommended alternatives would include:

NordVPN – based in Panama, NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy coupled with advanced security features like multi-hop VPN chains and Tor-over-VPN access. It uses next-gen WireGuard protocol and scores highly on independent privacy and audit tests.

SurfShark – this British Virgin Islands-based provider also passed independent security audits with flying colors. It operates a huge fleet of 3200+ private servers using AES-256 encryption and offers a 30-day money back guarantee for added peace of mind.

So reject roulette odds of relying on free services like Hola VPN. Investing in a proven premium VPN like NordVPN or Surfshark is the only way to guard your internet footprint with confidence moving forward.

In closing, while the idea of accessing free and unlimited VPN protection seems enticing, pragmatic analysis confirms corner-cutting services like Hola VPN cannot back up tall security claims with actual anonymous encryption. Using them only gambles away users’ online privacy and exposes their network connections to risk. Opt for trustworthy paid platforms for guaranteed safety instead of playing Russian Roulette with free VPNs.

I. Introduction

F-Secure Freedome VPN is a virtual private network service brought to you by cybersecurity company F-Secure. Based in Finland, F-Secure is a well-known name in antivirus and internet security solutions.

Building on two decades of security experience, F-Secure launched its Freedome VPN in 2014 promising to keep users’ online activity private and secure. This Freedome VPN review will take an in-depth look at its features, privacy protections, pricing, speeds and more to determine if it’s a worthy VPN choice.

II. Pros and Cons

F-Secure Freedome VPN comes with some advantageous features but also has some downsides users should consider:

Pros:

• Easy-to-use apps and interfaces making connecting straightforward
• Added security tools like malicious site blocking and file scam protection
• Attractively priced subscriptions with good bang-for-buck

Cons:

• Not a true zero-logs VPN provider
• Lacks configuration options appealing to advanced VPN users
• Middling connection speeds for streaming/torrenting

III. Features

Freedome VPN comes packed with some useful features that enhance privacy and security:

Encryption & protocols
The VPN uses AES 256-bit encryption to secure data traffic between devices and servers. Users can connect using modern protocols like IKEv2/IPsec and WireGuard for good speeds.

Extra security tools
F-Secure builds on its antivirus expertise to block malicious sites, detect fraudulent/phishing content and prevent downloading infected file types. This protects against common infection vectors.

Logging policy The VPN service claims not to log browsing activity nor connection timestamps. However, some metadata like amounts of data transferred and connection durations are logged up to 90 days. Freedome VPN is therefore not a strict no-logs VPN service. Payment information also may be stored for billing purposes.

Pricing options Freedome VPN offers annual, monthly and even daily subscription options. Having short-term pricing is a rarity among VPNs and provides more flexibility for first-time users wanting to test it out.

IV. Pricing

Despite the added security features, Freedome VPN is competitively priced among commercial VPN services:

• 1 day pass: $1.99
• 1 month subscription: $6.99 per month
• 1 year subscription: $4.08 per month (billed $49 annually)

Do note all Freedome VPN plans require signing up for the full subscription period upfront, whether it is one year or one month long. Only the mobile app offers standalone daily passes without longer commitments.

V. Customer Support

F-Secure provides good customer assistance for Freedome VPN across several channels:

• Support tickets
• Email inquiries
• Live online chat
• Tutorials
• FAQ knowledge base

Support coverage is available round-the-clock on all days. However, live chat may have limited hours on weekends. Overall, customers report timely and satisfactory experiences dealing with Freedome’s support channels.

VI. Performance

In operation since 2014, F-Secure has polished Freedome VPN into a generally fast and reliable VPN service. Independent speed tests clock impressive rates between 53-98 Mbps across different server locations.

This easily allows HD media streaming and quickly downloading/sharing large files. The added security filtering rarely slows down connections. Only during peak congestion might some servers struggle to deliver full speeds. But switching to another server easily fixes that.

VII. Security and Privacy Practices

Earlier it was mentioned Freedome VPN claims not to log user activity. A strict no-logs policy is an important criterion for privacy-conscious VPN users.

However, Freedome does keep connection metadata logs for up to 90 days. It also analyzes traffic volumes across location to improve its service. This falls short of true no-logging standards.

Also while subscription options are flexible, all plans mandate signing up and prepaying for the full 1 year, 1 month or even 1 day period upfront. This no-refunds approach is less customer friendly than competition with 30-day money back guarantees.

Lastly, Freedome VPN’s pricing also sits on the higher side when comparing feature-for-feature across top 10 VPN charts. Users are likely paying a brand premium for F-Secure’s long-standing security reputation.

VIII. Alternatives

Freedome VPN is a very capable virtual private network with some useful security additions built-in. However, users prioritizing strict no-logging policies should consider alternative services like:

NordVPN – Panama-based NordVPN has a clear no-logs policy and proven track record not recording user activity timestamps or IP assignments. It also offers Double VPN and Onion over VPN features for added privacy layers.

ExpressVPN – Based in privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN offers reliable no-logging assurances verified independently via third-party audits of its systems.

IX. Conclusion

To summarize, F-Secure Freedome VPN leverages its cybersecurity credentials to offer a polished VPN product packing strong encryption, extra security tools and competitive subscription rates. Performance and speeds also match up very well.

The main caveats are its non-zero logging policy of up to 90 days and lack of customizable settings catering to advanced VPN users. Casual privacy seekers will appreciate Freedome VPN’s simplicity but users needing true no-log anonymity should consider alternative recommendations that exist now like NordVPN.

But as a balanced package blending security, ease-of-use and fair pricing, F-Secure Freedome VPN will ably protect the everyday web browsing needs of many internet users worldwide.

Introduction

Avira Phantom VPN is a virtual private network service offered by the cybersecurity company Avira. Avira is a well-known name in the antivirus and internet security space, protecting over 500 million devices worldwide.

Leveraging this security expertise, Avira launched Phantom VPN in 2019. It promises to keep users’ online activity private and secure when browsing the public internet. This review will analyze how well Avira’s VPN performs at protecting user privacy, its speed and reliability, pricing options, and overall usability compared to competitor VPN services.

Security and Privacy

As expected from its cybersecurity background, Avira Phantom VPN comes equipped with standard VPN security features. It uses AES 256-bit encryption for securing data traffic between your device and the VPN servers. Users can connect using OpenVPN, IPSec and WireGuard protocols.

The VPN provider has a strict no-logging policy stating it does not track or store any user activity logs nor connection logs. However, Avira does collect some diagnostic data to monitor the health status of its servers. The company can comply with legal orders since payment information for paid accounts may be stored.

It’s also worth noting Avira is headquartered in Germany. While part of the 14 Eyes intelligence alliance, Germany has strong privacy laws and generally favorable conditions for operating a no-logs VPN service.

Server Network and Performance

Avira Phantom VPN’s server network is relatively small compared to top VPN services. It operates 1,400 servers in 37 countries worldwide. While this allows connecting to most major countries, users may experience more pronounced peak-time congestion versus on larger networks.

The VPN also lacks dedicated IP addresses. This limits using Avira VPN with devices that require static IP addressing.

In terms of speed, independent tests clock Avira Phantom VPN at lackluster rates. While the VPN uses fast WireGuard protocol, connections over OpenVPN hover between 2-15 Mbps only. This suffices for light browsing but cannot support HD streaming or large downloads. Compared to leading VPNs averaging 60-100+ Mbps speeds, Avira Phantom VPN ranks below average on performance.

Streaming and Torrenting

Avira Phantom VPN’s slower speeds also impact its streaming and torrenting abilities. Positive notes include successfully unblocking BBC iPlayer and Netflix regions like UK, Canada, and Japan during testing. Users report smooth HD streaming with the Windows VPN client but frequent buffering on mobile apps.

As for torrenting, Avira VPN allows P2P filesharing on some international servers only. Torrenting performance is again limited by the slower connection speeds. Users cannot expect fast downloads or contribute much upload bandwidth back to the swarm.

Pricing and Features

A standout aspect of Avira Phantom VPN is offering both a free VPN tier and premium upgrade options:

• Free version – Offers 500MB monthly data allowance but retains the same security and unblocking abilities. Limited to lower priority access on slower servers. Only OpenVPN connections supported.
• Premium – Priced at $47.99 billed annually, the premium VPN subscription lifts all restrictions. It allows unlimited data usage at full speeds on all 1400+ servers using OpenVPN or IPsec protocols. Connect up to 5 devices simultaneously.

The premium plan offers good value with an unlimited data allowance. But advanced users may be frustrated by the lack of customizable VPN options for protocols, encryption or connection preferences available in the settings. Surprisingly for a privacy service, router installation is also not officially supported currently.

Customer Support

Avira offers customer assistance for Phantom VPN through email, live chat and phone support. Self-help options are available via knowledge base articles and video tutorials on the website.

Anecdotal reviews however paint a mixed picture regarding Avira’s customer service quality. While some users report timely and useful responses from the support team, others faced extended delays receiving a resolution for technical issues like apps crashing or server connections dropping frequently.

Considering most users are paying customers, this highlights room for improvement to match customer support standards set by big-name VPN services.

Conclusion

To conclude, Avira Phantom VPN gets a lot right when it comes to security fundamentals in using AES 256-bit encryption and supporting secure protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN. The free VPN plan is also very competitively priced, with an unlimited premium upgrade available.

However, the slower connection speeds currently hamper performance for streaming and torrenting compared to rival VPN services. Avira also needs expand its server network coverage along with improving customer support responsiveness to better match the competition.

So while the VPN shows promise building on Avira’s security credentials, users may be better served opting for an ExpressVPN or NordVPN that offer reliability, speed and service on par with their premium price tags. For those wanting just basic privacy protection during everyday web browsing though, Avira Phantom VPN’s free tier can certainly do the job on a budget.

Points to Consider

Avira should prioritize upgrading infrastructure to offer faster VPN speeds if it wants to contend as a security AND performance-driven VPN provider catering to advanced users. Expanding server locations to underserved regions like Africa would also help broaden its appeal.

Regarding customer support, more transparency and quicker response times are important considering most subscribers are paying customers. Learning from industry leaders on offering 24/7 live chat and ticket tracking would help enhance users’ post-sales experience greatly.

I. Introduction

Astrill VPN is a virtual private network service with over 11 years of experience in helping users browse the internet privately and access restricted content. Headquartered in Seychelles, Astrill VPN operates servers in over 65 countries to facilitate secure and fast connections.

With its long-standing presence in the VPN market, Astrill VPN promises strong security features and good connectivity speeds. This Astrill VPN review will analyze its pricing, features, user experience, privacy policy and more to help determine if it’s the right VPN choice for you.

II. Pricing and Subscription Plans

Astrill VPN offers four subscription options: monthly, 3-month, 6-month and annual plans. The monthly plan costs $13 while the annual plan is only $7 per month when billed upfront annually. This makes Astrill VPN competitively priced compared to other top VPNs.

It’s recommended to choose the annual plan to get access to all features at the lowest effective monthly rate. Users wanting to test Astrill first can start with a short-term subscription.

III. Features

Some key features that set Astrill VPN apart include:

• Leak protection – Astrill VPN protects against IPV6 leaks, DNS leaks and WebRTC leaks to prevent revealing your real IP address. This improves privacy protection while using the VPN.
• Ad/tracker blocking – Built-in ad-blocking and anti-tracking prevents ads and trackers from compromising your online privacy.
• Strong encryption – Choose from AES-256, AES-128, Blowfish 128, Blowfish 192, CAST 128 or Camellia 128/256 bit encryption protocols.
• Diverse protocols – Connect using OpenWeb, StealthVPN, Wireguard, OpenVPN and other protocols optimized for speed, privacy or bypassing restrictions.

IV. User Experience

The account creation and installation process with Astrill VPN is quick and straightforward. Apps are available for all major desktop and mobile platforms.

Once connected to a server, most users report sufficiently fast speeds for HD streaming and lag-free browsing. Speeds are consistently fast across different server locations as well. Besides streaming and torrenting, Astrill VPN also works reliably for VoIP calling and gaming.

V. Security and Privacy

Astrill VPN has robust privacy features built directly into its apps. These include VPN over Tor access, multi-hop connections crossing 2-5 servers, SOCKS5 web proxy, obfuscated VPN and dedicated streaming servers.

These prove especially useful for users in restricted regions like China to improve privacy protection and bypass internet censorship. User feedback suggests Astrill VPN provides reliable access and good speeds within China.

VI. Customer Feedback

Looking at user reviews, Astrill VPN generally scores very positive feedback. Users like the competitive pricing, wide choice of global servers, ability to torrent securely and bypass geo-restrictions on streaming platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer.

Some downsides mentioned include occasional server capacity issues, short 1-day trial limiting evaluation before subscribing, and account suspensions for violating terms of use when torrenting heavily. A few users also report inconsistent speeds during peak times.

VII. Performance and Speed

Independent speed tests clock Astrill VPN servers at good speeds for a VPN, averaging 50-80Mbps globally across various locations. This supports HD streaming on multiple devices and fast large downloads. Speeds are lower to very distant servers but still usable for browsing.

Compared to other top VPNs, Astrill VPN matches up very well on speed and overall network performance. Congestion rarely slows speeds except the rare instance of server overloads.

VIII. Privacy Policy and Logging

Astrill VPN claims a strict no-logs policy, meaning no user activity logs nor connection logs are maintained. The company can comply with legal data requests since payment details may be stored.

While a good privacy policy on paper, a possible caveat is Astrill VPN requires new users to provide a phone number when signing up for an account. The purpose is to curb abuse by verifying identities, but supplying a phone number compromises privacy.

IX. Conclusion

In summary, Astrill VPN is a veteran VPN provider that ticks all the right boxes in terms of pricing, speeds, reliability and advanced user features. It delivers very well as an unblocking and security VPN suitable for both casual and experienced VPN users alike.

The few downsides like short money-back guarantees or supply of phone numbers during sign up should not deter most users. Overall, Astrill VPN deserves strong recommendation as a complete VPN package balancing speed, security and usability.